DE-FOA-0003472 Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation Part 1_MOD0003.pdf

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity

Part 1

Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Geothermal Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003472

First Round Letters of Intent Due: March 27, 2026 First Round Applications Due: April 30, 2026 Modifications

Mod.

No.

Date Description of Modification

0001 March 20, 2026

Adding Teaming Partner List

0001 March 20, 2026

Adjusted LOI Character limit to 6000

0001 March 20, 2026

Removed Environmental forms

Version 2.0 Page 2 of 61

All modifications to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are HIGHLIGHTED in the body of the NOFO.

0002 April 8, Revise Full application Due Date to May 14, 2026

0003 April 15, In Part C. Expected Performance Goals section, the paragraph titled All Topic Areas: Reporting of All Fluids and Fluid Additives Used in Subsurface Activities was modified with new information regarding the acceptance of Geothermal wells in the referenced directory.

Table of Contents

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Navigating the Notice of Funding Opportunity

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Key Facts

1. Funding Details

2. Period of Performance

B. Executive Summary C. Teaming Partner List D. Agency Contact Information

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

1. Domestic Entities

2. Foreign Entity Participation

B. Limitation on Number of Applications Eligible for Review C. Cost Sharing

1. Cost Share Requirements

2. Unallowable Cost Share Sources, NOFO Specific

D. FFRDC Eligibility Criteria

1. DOE FFRDCs as the Applicant

2. DOE and Non-DOE FFRDCs as a Subrecipient

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Program Purpose B. Program Goals and Objectives C. Expected Performance Goals D. Topic Areas

1. Topic Area 1: EGS Field Tests

2. Topic Area 2: Closed-Loop Field Tests—Drilling Required (CLOSED)

3. Topic Area 3: Closed-Loop Field Tests—No Drilling Required (CLOSED)

4. Topic Area 4: Super-Hot/Supercritical Field Tests (CLOSED)

5. Topic Area 5: Direct Use/Thermal Field Tests (CLOSED)

6. Topic Area 6: Drilling for Next-Generation and Hydrothermal Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Confirmation E. Project Phase Descriptions

1. Phase 1: Planning and Permitting

2. Phase 2: Well Development

3. Phase 3: System Development and Initial Testing (Not Applicable for Topic Area 6)

4. Phase 4: Reservoir Sustainability (Not Applicable for Topic Area 6)

F. Applications Specifically Not of Interest G. Statement of Substantial Involvement H. Statutory Authority

IV. APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORM

A. Summary B. Letter of Intent C. Application Content Requirements

Version 2.0 Page 4 of 61

1. Covered Individual Definition, Designation, and Responsibility

2. Summary of Application Requirements

3. Technical Volume

D. Funding Restrictions

V. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

A. Required Registrations

1. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

2. eXCHANGE

B. Application Package

1. eXCHANGE

C. Submission Date and Times D. Intergovernmental Review

VI. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Standards for Application Evaluation B. Responsiveness Review C. Review Criteria

1. Compliance Criteria

2. Technical Review Criteria

D. Other Selection Factors

VII. SELECTION AND AWARD NOTICES

VIII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Rights in Technical Data

2. Cost Share Payment

B. Helpful Websites C. Questions and Support

1. Questions

2. Support

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

Version 2.0 Page 5 of 61

Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 1 Section I: Basic Information

Before You Begin

Navigating the Notice of Funding Opportunity To reduce the burden on applicants in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process and limit the length of the NOFO information requests, DOE has separated the NOFO into two parts.

The NOFO Part 1 describes the specific DOE programmatic goals and evaluation criteria, eligibility, and other components that are specific to each funding opportunity. The NOFO Part 2 includes the fixed DOE requirements that generally do not change from NOFO to NOFO, including standard information for the application phase, expectations for award negotiations, and post-award requirements. Applicants must review both the NOFO Part 1 and the NOFO Part 2 prior to applying. To facilitate navigation, you will find links throughout this document to additional information found in Part 2.

Applicants must take several required one-time actions before applying to this NOFO. Some of these actions may take several weeks, so it is vital applicants build in enough time to complete them. Failure to complete these actions could interfere with application or negotiation deadlines or the ability to receive an award if selected. If you have previously completed the necessary registrations, make sure your registration is active and up to date. All registrations are free. Please refer to NOFO Part 2, Get Registered, for additional information.

This announcement is published with NOFO Part 2 version 2.

P 8#y

P 8#y

P 8#y3

P 8#y4 P 8#y5

P 8#y6

Version 2.0 Page 6 of 61

Section IV: Application Content and Form

I. Basic Information

A. Key Facts

Issuing Agency

Department of Energy, Office of Geothermal

Funding Opportunity Title

Next-Generation Geothermal Field Tests and Geothermal Resource Characterization and Confirmation

Announcement Type Initial

Number

DE-FOA-0003472

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Assistance Listing Number

81.087

Description

The field test activities to be funded through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seek to advance DOE’s goals and commitment to pushing the frontiers of science and engineering, advancing energy addition, and unleashing American energy innovation.

This NOFO may remain open for up to 72 months, with review cycles possibly occurring approximately every year, while funding lasts. The details of this NOFO (including descriptions of closed Topic Areas) are subject to change in future review cycles.

Program Goals & Objective(s)

This NOFO targets field-scale tests at depths and temperatures appropriate for full-scale project development. These tests are intended to support research and development (R&D), testing, and evaluation of next-generation development technologies and approaches, and the applicability of those approaches in select real-world conditions. Additionally, this NOFO targets exploration drilling activities required to gather data to support the characterization and potential confirmation of promising next generation and hydrothermal prospects for electrical power production. These projects will directly support the DOE’s emphasis on learning-by-doing and helping to identify and focus R&D priorities. In the end, the knowledge gained from these tests will support future private sector funding decisions regarding the development approach and the location for development.

KEY DATES

Notice of Funding Opportunity Issue Date:

February 25, 2026

Letter of Intent Deadline:

March 27, 2026

Informational Webinar:

TBD

Application Deadline:

May 14, 2026

Anticipated Selection Notification Date:

July 30, 2026

Anticipated Award Date:

September 30, Estimated Period of Performance:

October 1, 2026 – September 30, Version 2.0 Page 7 of 61

Strategic goals for this NOFO are derived from the GeoVision Roadmap1 and the Office of Geothermal’s (OG) Multi-Year Program Plan.2

Topic Areas

• Topic Area 1: EGS Field Tests

• Topic Area 2: Closed Loop Field Tests—Drilling Required

(CLOSED: Topic Area 2 is CLOSED)

• Topic Area 3: Closed Loop Field Tests—No Drilling Required

(CLOSED: Topic Area 3 is CLOSED)

• Topic Area 4: Super-Hot/Supercritical EGS Field Tests

(CLOSED: Topic Area 4 is CLOSED)

• Topic Area 5: Direct Use/Thermal Field Tests (CLOSED: Topic

Area 5 is CLOSED)

• Topic Area 6: Drilling for Next-Generation and Hydrothermal

Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Confirmation

Eligible Applicants • Domestic Entities (Institutions of higher education; for-profit entities; nonprofit entities; state and local government entities;

and Indian Tribes, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5304.

• DOE/NNSA federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) are eligible to apply for funding as a prime and/or subrecipient.

• Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.

• Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.

• A foreign entity may submit an application to this NOFO, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request. Likewise, if the applicant seeks to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, the applicant must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in the application for each proposed foreign subrecipient.

eXCHANGE URL and Helpdesk https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov—include NOFO name and number in the subject line.

1 U.S. Department of Energy. 2019. “GeoVision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath Our Feet.” DOE/EE-1306. U.S.

Department of Energy. https://doi.org/10.2172/1879171.

2 U.S. Department of Energy. 2022. “Geothermal Technologies Office Multi-Year Program Plan.”

https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ https://doi.org/10.2172/1879171 https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-technologies-office-multi-year-program-plan

Version 2.0 Page 8 of 61

1. Funding Details

Multiple Topic Areas Approximate total available funding including all Topic Areas: $171,500,000 across FY2023, FY2024, FY2025

*Subject to availability of appropriations

Topic Area 1: EGS Field Tests

• Approximate total available funding: Up to $100,000,000 across FY2023, FY2024, FY2025

• Approximate number of awards: 4–10

• Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: $10,000,000–$25,000,000

• Minimum cost share required: 20%

• Approximate award project period: 36–60 months

• Anticipated length of budget periods: 12–24 months

Topic Area 2: Closed Loop Field Tests—Drilling Required (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND. NO

APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED)

Topic Area 3: Closed Loop Field Tests—No Drilling Required (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND. NO

APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED)

Topic Area 4: Super-Hot/Supercritical EGS Field Tests (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND. NO APPLICATIONS

WILL BE CONSIDERED)

Topic Area 5: Direct Use/Thermal Field Tests (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE

CONSIDERED)

Topic Area 6: Drilling for Next-Generation and Hydrothermal Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Confirmation

• Approximate total available funding: $71,500,000 in FY2025

• Approximate number of awards: 8–18

• Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: $4,000,000–$8,000,000

• Minimum cost share required: 20%

• Approximate award project period: 12–48 months

• Anticipated length of budget periods: 12–24 months

2. Period of Performance

DOE anticipates making awards comprised of one or more budget periods. If applicable, project continuation will be contingent on DOE’s Go/No-Go decision. For a complete list and more information on the Go/No-Go review, see the NOFO Part 2, Award Administration Information. Funding for all budget periods, including the initial budget period, is not guaranteed.

Version 2.0 Page 9 of 61

B. Executive Summary

The projects selected under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) target field-scale tests at depths and temperatures appropriate for full-scale project development. These tests are intended to support R&D, testing, and evaluation of next-generation development technologies and approaches and the applicability of those approaches in select real-world in situ conditions. Additionally, this NOFO targets exploration drilling activities required to gather data to support the characterization and potential confirmation of promising next-generation and hydrothermal prospects for electrical power production.

These projects will directly support the DOE’s emphasis on learning-by-doing and helping to identify and focus R&D priorities. In the end, the knowledge gained from these tests will support future funding decisions regarding the development approach and the location for development.

Strategic goals for this NOFO are derived from the GeoVision Roadmap and OG’s Multi-Year Program Plan.

C. Teaming Partner List DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of project teams for this NOFO. The Teaming Partner List allows organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to other applicants and explore potential partnerships.

The Teaming Partner List will be available on eXCHANGE and will be regularly updated to reflect new teaming partners who provide their organization’s information.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the eXCHANGE homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within eXCHANGE.

Click on “Submit Entry to Teaming Partner List”, select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List.

DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.

D. Agency Contact Information

Office of Geothermal U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Ave SW Washington, D.C. 20585

Version 2.0 Page 10 of 61

For questions relating to this specific NOFO, please send emails to NextGen_GeoDrilling@ee.doe.gov.

DISCLAIMER: Applicants are discouraged from submitting information considered proprietary unless it is deemed essential for proper evaluation of the application. If the application contains information that the applicant organization considers to be trade secrets, information that is commercial or financial, or information that is privileged or confidential, the pages containing that information must be identified as specified in the application instructions. When such information is included in the application, it will be withheld from public disclosure to the extent permitted by law, including the Freedom of Information Act, with the understanding that the information will be used or disclosed only for evaluation of the application. The information contained in the application will be protected by DOE from unauthorized disclosure, consistent with the need for merit review of applications of financial assistance awards to assure the integrity of the competitive process and the accuracy and completeness of the information.

If a federal financial assistance award is made as a result of or in connection with an application, the federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law.

This restriction does not limit the federal government’s right to use the information if it is obtained without restriction from another source.

II. Eligibility

To be considered for substantive evaluation, an applicant’s submission must meet the criteria set forth below. If the application does not meet these eligibility requirements, it will be considered ineligible for any award and removed from further evaluation. DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this NOFO must be submitted. The decision whether to apply in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. The information included here is specific to eligibility requirements for this NOFO. For eligibility requirements applicable to all NOFOs, please consult the NOFO Part 2, Eligibility.

A. Eligible Applicants To be considered for substantive evaluation, an applicant’s submission must meet the criteria set forth below. If the application does not meet these eligibility requirements, it will be considered ineligible and removed from further evaluation.

1. Domestic Entities Domestic entities are eligible to apply as recipients or subrecipients. The following types of domestic entities are eligible to participate as a recipient or subrecipient of this NOFO:

• Institutions of higher education;

• DOE FFRDCs;

• For-profit organization;

• Nonprofit organization;

• State and local governmental entities; and mailto:NextGen_GeoDrilling@ee.doe.gov

Version 2.0 Page 11 of 61

• Indian Tribes, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 53043

Participant Limitations Participation of the following entities are limited as follows:

• Non-DOE FFRDCs are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.

• Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are typically not eligible to apply as a recipient.

To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States or under the laws of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.

2. Foreign Entity Participation In general, foreign entities are not eligible to apply as either a recipient or subrecipient. In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient.

A foreign entity may apply to this NOFO, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request. Likewise, if the applicant seeks to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, the applicant must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in the application for each proposed foreign subrecipient. Please see NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements, for the requirements for submission of a foreign entity waiver request. The applicant does not have the right to appeal DOE’s decision concerning a waiver request.

Foreign Entity Participation A foreign entity is eligible to apply for funding as a recipient if it designates in the application a subsidiary or affiliate incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a state or territory of the United States to be the recipient. The application must state the nature of the corporate relationship between the foreign entity and domestic subsidiary or affiliate.

Foreign entities may request a waiver of the requirement to designate a subsidiary in the United States as the recipient in the application (i.e., a foreign entity may request that it be the recipient). To do so, the applicant must submit an explicit written waiver request in the application.

NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements, lists the information that must be included in a request to waive this requirement. The applicant does not have the right to appeal DOE’s decision concerning a waiver request.

Performance of Work in the United States

3 “Indian Tribe,” for the purposes of this NOFO and as defined in in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 5304), means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established according to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. § 1601, et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:25%20section:5304%20edition:prelim) https://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/92/203.pdf#:%7E:text=688%20PUBLIC%20LAW%2092-203-DEC.%2018%2C%201971%20%5B85%20STAT.,and%20for%20other%20purposes.%20Alaska%20Native%20Claims%20Settlement https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:43%20section:1601%20edition:prelim)

Version 2.0 Page 12 of 61

All work for the awards under this NOFO must be performed in the United States. To request a waiver of this requirement, the applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the application. Absent an approved waiver, such costs will not be allowable under the award. NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements, lists the requirements for submission of a foreign work waiver request.

Ineligible Participants The following entities are ineligible for participation in this NOFO as a recipient, subrecipient, or subcontractor.

• In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, entities banned from doing business with the U.S.

government such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in federal programs.

• Entities identified on Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals list are prohibited from doing business with the U.S. government and are not eligible. See OFAC Sanctions List Service (treas.gov).

• Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply for funding.

Entity of Concern Prohibition Entities of Concern are prohibited from participating in projects selected under this NOFO (see NOFO Part 2, Eligibility, Other Eligibility Information, Entity of Concern Prohibition, section for details and definitions).

B. Limitation on Number of Applications Eligible for Review

An entity may submit more than one application to this NOFO, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project.

C. Cost Sharing Applicants are expected to follow through on estimated cost share commitments proposed in their applications if selected for award negotiations. Please refer to the NOFO Part 2, Eligibility, for more information on Cost Sharing.

1. Cost Share Requirements The cost share must be at least 20% of the total project costs4 for research and development and demonstration projects.5

Applications that do not meet the minimum required cost share will be deemed ineligible during the initial compliance review and will not be further reviewed. The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.

4 Total project costs are the sum of the government share, including FFRDC costs if applicable, and the recipient share of project costs.

5 Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109-58, sec. 988. Also see 2 CFR 200.306 and 2 CFR 910.130 for additional cost sharing requirements.

https://sanctionslist.ofac.treas.gov/Home/SdnList

Version 2.0 Page 13 of 61

The cost share percentage is calculated by dividing the cost share by the total allowable project costs for the award where the total allowable project costs include government share (including FFRDC costs if applicable) and cost share. To help applicants calculate proper cost share amounts, DOE has included a cost share information sheet and sample cost share calculation in the NOFO Part 2, Eligibility—Cost Sharing, Cost Share Calculation Examples.

2. Unallowable Cost Share Sources, NOFO Specific The unallowable cost share sources identified here are specific to this announcement. Refer to NOFO Part 2, Eligibility—Cost Sharing, Unallowable Cost Share Sources, for unallowable cost share sources applicable to all NOFOs.

D. FFRDC Eligibility Criteria

1. DOE FFRDCs as the Applicant

A DOE FFRDC is eligible to apply for funding under this NOFO. If a DOE FFRDC is selected for award negotiation, the proposed work will be authorized under the DOE work authorization process and performed under the laboratory’s Management and Operating (M&O) contract.

2. DOE and Non-DOE FFRDCs as a Subrecipient As long as they have no conflict, DOE and non-DOE FFRDCs may be proposed as subrecipients on another entity’s application subject to the following guidelines.

Authorization for non-DOE FFRDCs The federal agency sponsoring the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of the FFRDC on the proposed project, and this authorization must be submitted with the application. The use of a FFRDC must be consistent with its authority under its award.

Version 2.0 Page 14 of 61

Funding, Cost Share, and Subaward with FFRDCs The value of and funding for the FFRDC portion of the work will not normally be included in the award.

DOE FFRDCs participating as a subrecipient on a project will be funded directly through the DOE Work Authorization process in accordance with DOE O 412.1A. Non-DOE FFRDCs participating as a subrecipient will be funded through an interagency agreement with the sponsoring agency.

Although the FFRDC portion of the work is excluded from the award, the applicant’s cost share requirement will be based on the total cost of the project, including the applicant’s, the subrecipient’s, and the FFRDC’s portions of the project.

All DOE FFRDCs are required to enter into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement6 (CRADA) or, if the role of the DOE FFRDC is limited to technical assistance and intellectual property is not anticipated to be generated from the DOE FFRDC’s work, a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA), with at least the recipient. A fully executed CRADA or TAA must be in place or be compliant with a Master Scope of Work process prior to the FFRDC starting work directly allocable to the Financial Assistance award.

A CRADA is used to ensure accountability for project work and provide the appropriate management of IP, e.g., data protection and background IP. A Data Management Plan is not suited for this purpose.

Limit on FFRDC Effort The scope of work to be performed by the FFRDC should not be more significant than the scope of work to be performed by the applicant.

III. Program Description

A. Program Purpose

The field test activities to be funded through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seek to advance DOE’s goals and commitment to pushing the frontiers of science and engineering, advancing energy addition, and unleashing American energy innovation.

Geothermal resources can be found nationwide and represent vast domestic energy potential; however, only a fraction of this potential has been realized due to technical and non-technical barriers that constrain industry growth.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Geothermal (OG) 2019 GeoVision and subsequent analyses demonstrate that, with aggressive technology improvements, geothermal power generation could provide 300 gigawatts-electric (GWe) or more of firm, flexible power to the U.S. grid by 2050.

The Topics in this NOFO cover several next-generation approaches to geothermal development as well as a single Topic directed at drilling related to exploration, characterization, and confirmation activities

6 A cooperative research and development agreement is a contractual agreement between a national laboratory contractor and a private company or university to work together on research and development. For more information, see https://www.energy.gov/gc/downloads/doe-cooperative-research-and-development-agreements.

https://www.energy.gov/gc/downloads/doe-cooperative-research-and-development-agreements

Version 2.0 Page 15 of 61 that will gather data to support both next-generation and conventional hydrothermal resource development for potential electrical power generation. For the purposes of this NOFO, the term “next-generation geothermal” is used to refer to both enhanced geothermal systems and closed-loop geothermal technology spaces.

Through the advancements at DOE’s Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) and recent commercial development, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are the most mature of the next-generation geothermal technologies and currently offer the greatest potential for power generation per drilled foot. During EGS development, subsurface permeability is enhanced via safe, well-engineered reservoir stimulation processes that re-open pre-existing fractures and/or create new ones. These open conduits increase permeability and allow fluid to circulate throughout the hot rock.

The fluid transports the otherwise stranded heat to the surface where reliable, secure renewable electricity can be generated with current power generation technologies.

In addition to EGS, closed-loop development approaches have garnered the attention of the broader community and provide additional potential for expanding geothermal deployment. Closed-loop concepts for geothermal development include a wide range of approaches where the heat transfer fluid is contained within the wellbore and heat transfer occurs between the borehole wall and the circulating fluid. Although the approach is constrained by limited contact with the hot subsurface rock (and limited heat transfer), it does offer some desirable attributes that can complement EGS development.

Geothermal energy is used across a broad range of temperatures and applications that include both electricity production and direct use of thermal energy. Similar to the potential for electricity production, the non-electric direct use sector has enormous potential for growth that can range from basic heating and cooling to process heat for industrial applications. At the high end of electricity production are superhot systems (>375°C), which have potential to dramatically increase the power density on a per well basis, but this harsh and high temperature subsurface environment presents significant challenges in the construction and completion of wells and EGS reservoir development.

Broadly, developing subsurface resources begins in the exploration phase. This phase typically starts with surface-based observations using a variety of geological, geophysical, and geochemical approaches.

The synthesis of these data provides targets for more expensive exploration activities. In the case of geothermal, more expensive exploration activities mean drilling resource characterization/confirmation wells, which require significant investment on the part of the developer— a factor that is true for next-generation as well as conventional hydrothermal development approaches.

The Topic Areas addressed under this NOFO

Topic Area 1: EGS Field Tests Field tests at sites with potential for eventual electric power generation using EGS approaches.

Topic Area 2: Closed-Loop Field Tests, Drilling Required (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND) Field tests at sites with potential for eventual electric power generation using closed-loop approaches where new well drilling or additional drilling in an existing well will be required.

Topic Area 3: Closed-Loop Field Tests, No Drilling Required (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND) Field tests at sites with potential for eventual electric power generation using closed-loop approaches where existing wells are used with no additional drilling (workover operations are allowed).

Version 2.0 Page 16 of 61

Topic Area 4: Super-Hot/Supercritical Field Tests (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND) Field tests using next-generation approaches (EGS or closed-loop) at locations where superhot/supercritical temperatures (>375°C) are expected.

Topic Area 5: Direct Use/Thermal Field Tests (CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND) Field tests at sites using next-generation approaches (EGS or closed-loop) where the eventual application would be for direct use of the thermal energy and not electric power generation.

Topic Area 6: Drilling for Next-Generation and Hydrothermal Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Confirmation Drilling of reservoir depth resource exploration, characterization, and confirmation well(s) to gather data, information, and tests for next-generation or hydrothermal development, where sufficient site-specific data are available to suggest the potential for geothermal energy production. Preference will be given for previously unexamined geologic formations or locations.

B. Program Goals and Objectives

The field tests enabled via this NOFO will help fill an important gap in global technology markets and innovation systems.

Overcoming the frequently cited “valley of death,” where promising early-stage technology concepts fail (Figure 1), remains a challenge because of the high-risk nature of initial scale-up in conjunction with uncertain markets. This difficulty leads to underinvestment7 because the financing required for commercial deployment is not available from low-cost institutional capital sources without first de-risking technology at scale.8

Adding further complication, advancing new geothermal technologies requires field tests with a variety of technologies working in conjunction, many of which are not considered commercial9,10,11,12 and require significant funding for scale-up. In addition, these technologies are dependent on external factors including supply chains, engineering standards, successful local and federal permitting, 7 Nemet, Kraus, and Zipperer. “The Valley of Death, the Technology Pork Barrel, and Public Support for Large Demonstration Projects.” German Institute for Economic Research. 2016.

8 Alexander, Brenton. “The New Infrastructure Bill Looks To Solve A Clean Energy ‘Valley Of Death.’” Forbes. 2021.

9 Gordon Kingsley, Barrt Bozeman, and Karen Coker. “Technology transfer and absorption: An R&D value-mapping approach to evaluation.”

Research Policy, 25(6):967–995, 1996.

10 David C. Mowery. “The changing structure of the US national innovation system: Implications for international conflict and cooperation in R&D policy.” Research Policy, 27(6):639–654, 1998.

11 P. Spath and H. Rohracher. “'Energy regions': The transformative power of regional discourses on socio-technical futures.” Research Policy, 39(4):449–458, 2010. ISSN 0048-7333.

12 Chris Hendry and Paul Harborne. “Changing the view of wind power development: More than bricolage.” Research Policy, 40(5):778–789, 2011.

Figure 1: Innovation Stages and the Valley of Death (Nemet, Kraus, and Zipperer, 2016) https://www.diw.de/documents/publikationen/73/diw_01.c.540709.de/dp1601.pdf https://www.diw.de/documents/publikationen/73/diw_01.c.540709.de/dp1601.pdf https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentanalexander/2021/11/06/the-new-infrastructure-bill-looks-to-solve-a-clean-energy-valley-of-death/?sh=40c171d42b91

Version 2.0 Page 17 of 61 environmental reviews and impact assessments, and stakeholder engagement. The combined need for these factors to align often creates significant risk for project failure.

Field tests address these needs by:

• Proving reliability and performance ultimately de-risking the technologies;

• Offering learning opportunities;

• Identifying potential challenges not apparent at smaller scales;13

• Informing “dominant” designs14 for upscaling;

• Providing opportunities for collaboration; and

• Establishing best practices and standardized processes.

Researchers focused on progressive learning across renewable and sustainable energy projects15,16 identify the importance of technical learning to first iterate on improvements to technologies involved in full-scale field tests and then subsequent organizational and market learnings where applying technical learning curve benefits leads to scale up, operational processes, the development of market niches, and improved effectiveness and efficiency (Figure 2).

With respect to the specific intent of this NOFO, technical learning may include:

13 Devendra Sahal. “Technological guideposts and innovation avenues.” Research Policy, 14(2):61–82, 1985.

14 James Brown and Chris Hendry. “Public demonstration projects and field trials: Accelerating commercialization of sustainable technology in solar photovoltaics.” Energy Policy 2009;37(7):2560–73.

15 Bart A.G. Bossink. “Learning strategies in sustainable energy demonstration projects: What organizations learn from sustainable energy demonstrations.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 131: 110025, 2020. ISSN 1364-0321.

16 Bart A.G. Bossink. “Demonstrating sustainable energy: A review-based model of sustainable energy demonstration projects.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 77: 1349–1362, 2017. ISSN 1364-0321.

Figure 2: Model of renewable and sustainable energy demonstration project learning (Bossink, 2017)

Version 2.0 Page 18 of 61

• Identification and descriptions of actions by which the proposed subsurface technologies or methodologies will be advanced (e.g., best technical practices, operational lessons learned, or subsequent technological refinements).

Similarly, organizational learning specific to this NOFO may include, but is not limited to:

• A plan for hypothesis testing or learning-by-doing, developing, and refining in-the-field operational strategies that improve the efficiency and repeatability of EGS deployment; and

• Identification and description of all relevant stakeholders.

Market learning specific to this NOFO may include, but is not limited to:

• For projects where eventual electrical power generation is anticipated, estimates of power production capacity from the proposed field test/demonstration;

• For projects where eventual thermal power production is anticipated, estimates of thermal power potential from the proposed field test /demonstration; and

• Consideration and analysis of the size of the potential market opportunity (i.e., local and regional electricity demands and local and regional heating demands, respectively, for electricity-focused field tests and thermal power field tests).

Government-supported field tests focused on technical and organizational learning, which are most crucial for this NOFO, provide a unique opportunity to leverage the benefits of field tests with low risk.

Given the opportunity to learn-by-doing during these supported tests and ultimately standardize technical strategies, projects become positioned ideally to advance to the next critical pre-commercialization step—creating and learning about the market, which enables commercial deployment at scale supported by private financing.

Many different approaches are under development or proposed for next-generation geothermal resources, but few of these technologies or methods have enjoyed opportunities to test in situ from a systems perspective, in different combinations, and under a variety of geologic settings and conditions.

The opportunities for field-based, iterative testing are limited because of the high costs of subsurface operations. As a result, a menu of mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) approaches stand ready for hypothesis testing in the field to prove their reliability.

As noted previously, the invaluable opportunity to learn-by-doing and innovate next-generation geothermal systems through field testing at scale can lead to equally transformative changes in deployment and acceptance of next-generation geothermal nationwide.

The subsequent sections include detailed technical descriptions of the NOFO Topic Areas.

C. Expected Performance Goals

OG funds research, development, and demonstration projects to facilitate technology validation and field testing, reduce cost, and improve performance of next-generation geothermal technologies. In particular, the economic viability of next-generation geothermal depends on developing and improving enabling technologies and gathering data that provide a detailed characterization of target resources and an understanding of rock mass behavior and permeability enhancement.

Version 2.0 Page 19 of 61

The objective of this NOFO is to identify and develop next-generation geothermal field tests in a variety of geologic formations and subsurface conditions that will act:

• As exemplars, proving reliability and performance and ultimately de-risking the suites of technologies required to develop and sustain next-generation geothermal reservoirs;

• As experiments from which to learn (learn-by-doing), to use the upscaled opportunity to identify new problems that are not apparent at smaller, lab-based scales;

• As an opportunity to hypothesis test and validate a design approach for the geological conditions where projects are located and extended to broader next-generation geothermal development; and

• As opportunities for collaboration, such that best practices can be established and general operational processes can be standardized and improved.

All work for projects selected under this NOFO must be performed in the United States.

This NOFO may remain open for up to 72 months, with review cycles occurring approximately every year, while funding lasts. The “rolling” nature of this announcement is meant to accommodate the community of applicants, who may need time to find the appropriate mix of experience to develop effective teams and to identify high potential sites, perform critical due diligence on those sites, and accommodate operational restrictions on sites before applying. In addition, DOE recognizes a perennial challenge for the relatively small geothermal industry with respect to the availability of personnel to commit to the DOE NOFO application and project management process. Requirements for Topic Areas currently closed are subject to change.

Strategic Goals Strategic goals for this NOFO, highlighted in Table 1 below, are derived from the GeoVision Roadmap and subsequent analysis17 and from OG’s Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP), as noted.

Table 1: NOFO Requirements and Applicable OG Goals

NOFO Requirements

• Topic Areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 must provide a description of potential use cases if the resource were to be fully developed, an estimate of the thermal power and the equivalent electrical power (using defensible electrical conversion efficiencies for the resource and the power conversion technology) expected during the flow testing, and the rationale that the output can scale to meet the needs of an eventual application.

• Topic Area 5 must provide a description of potential use cases if the resource were to be fully developed, an estimate of the thermal power (using defensible estimate for the resource) expected during the flow testing, and the rational that the output can scale to meet the needs of an eventual application.

• Topic Area 6 must provide sufficient surface-based exploration data that suggests the presence of a possibly viable geothermal resource to support a drilling program that will ultimately lead to the drilling of a confirmation well and a description of the potential use case if the anticipated resource were to be fully developed.

17 Enhanced Geothermal Shot Analysis for the Geothermal Technologies Office.

https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84822.pdf

Version 2.0 Page 20 of 61

2023 Enhanced Geothermal Analysis

Cost reduction for EGS: $45 per megawatt hour by 2035 Aggressive pursuit of resource characterization, well construction, reservoir sustainability, and materials R&D accompanied by a “learn-by-doing” approach to EGS field tests.

GeoVision Roadmap SUB-ACTION 1.4.1: Develop existing and innovative stimulation methods for improved geothermal resource recovery.

SUB-ACTION 1.4.2: Improve zonal-isolation techniques.

SUB-ACTION 1.4.3: Develop advanced real-time fracture modeling and mapping.

SUB-ACTION 1.4.4: Quantify the relationship among in situ state of stress, induced seismicity, and permeability.

OG MYPP

Subsurface Enhancement and Sustainability Goal 1: Collect, archive, and distribute high-fidelity multiphysics data associated with stimulations of in-field, near-field, and greenfield EGS reservoirs in crystalline rock at depth.

Subsurface Enhancement and Sustainability Goal 2: Increase the net production potential in an existing geothermal plant using advanced, targeted stimulation technologies in existing but sub-commercial wells.

Subsurface Enhancement and Sustainability Goal 4: Refine and optimize stimulation procedures using zonal isolation for reservoir enhancement in crystalline basement rock.

Field Test Requirements: (RELEVANT TOPIC AREAS are NOTED):

Awards made under this NOFO will be cooperative agreements that may include drilling, well stimulation, data collection, modeling, and analysis. Power production is not a requirement and is beyond the scope/funding available.

Requirements include the following. Applicants should see Section VI.C.2 Technical Review Criteria for more information.

All Topic Areas other than Topic Area 6: Compliance with the “Protocol for Induced Seismicity Associated with Enhanced Geothermal Systems” This protocol document serves as a general guide identifying steps a geothermal developer can take to address induced seismicity related to EGS development. Although the protocol is directed toward EGS, the principles apply to all geothermal development activities and can be adapted to the broader family of next-generation development approaches. Adapting the protocol includes simple planning steps that would apply to most developments, as well as more elaborate procedures that would apply under particular circumstances to a smaller number of geothermal developments. Therefore, the protocol is not intended to be a universal prescriptive approach to seismicity management, but instead a guide to project developers. The guiding principles must be incorporated into the management of all awards in this NOFO.

All Topic Areas: Reporting of All Fluids and Fluid Additives Used in Subsurface Activities To create more transparency regarding fluids and additives used in drilling, stimulation (as applicable), and circulation during flow tests in subsurface operations, all such fluids and fluid additives must be publicly disclosed and reported to DOE. The FracFocus Chemical Disclosure Registry currently accepts https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84822.pdf https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84822.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2019/06/f63/5-GeoVision-Chap5-opt.pdf https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-technologies-office-multi-year-program-plan https://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/pdfs/egs-is-protocol-final-draft-20110531.pdf https://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/pdfs/egs-is-protocol-final-draft-20110531.pdf https://fracfocus.org/

Version 2.0 Page 21 of 61 reporting from geothermal wells, therefore it should be utilized for reporting of all fluids and fluid additives used in subsurface activities.

All Topic Areas: Drilling, Completion, and/or Well Retrofit Costs Drilling, completion, and/or workover costs are expected, to some degree, for all projects selected under this NOFO. Applicants must provide an estimate of the project costs that will be expended in drilling, completion, and/or workover activities, and all such associated services must be fully cost shared at a level of at least the minimum required in the NOFO. The reasonableness of the project drilling costs and the proportion of those costs to the total project costs will be considered in review of submitted applications.

All Topic Areas: Communications Stakeholder engagement and public awareness are crucial aspects of geothermal development, particularly for next-generation technologies that may not be known or understood in the community.

To address this issue, applicants must reserve a portion of their budget to conduct and promote communications and outreach activities with stakeholders and the general public. This work will include listening to concerns, providing details on project plans, and sharing project successes. Engagement with local stakeholders must begin at the outset of any selected project and must be maintained on a recurring basis throughout the duration of the project.

DOE requires that each team include an “information officer” (full or part time, depending on need) whose role will center around engaging with the local community to ensure there is a direct conduit for information about the project.

All Topic Areas: Workforce The geothermal workforce is dynamic, with skilled workers from oil, gas, or other industries frequently transitioning into geothermal depending on market conditions and project deployment (i.e., job availability). DOE aims to collect critical data on the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required of the workforce for successful execution of field projects. To support this goal, selected project recipients will be asked to submit a record quarterly of occupations of workers participating in the project. This information will be used to inform a specific end-of-project task that will identify KSAs and core competencies of workers necessary to complete next-generation geothermal projects.

All Topic Areas: Teaming This NOFO seeks multidisciplinary teams that have demonstrated technical and financial viability to plan, develop, and operate large-scale next-generation field tests with minimum variance from the originally planned project schedule, scope, and budget.

Principal Investigators (PI) must reserve a developmental position on their team to mentor aspiring PIs (e.g., junior faculty from academia, early career national laboratory research staff, or junior industry researchers) during the execution of a large-scale field test project. This position can take any form deemed appropriate by the PI(s) but must provide access to project leadership and project management decision making. Projects undertaking construction activity are encouraged to team with the appropriate building and construction trade unions and to secure letters of commitment.

Version 2.0 Page 22 of 61

Teams are required to include industry participation and should focus on a broad range of personnel, institutions, expertise, and sector knowledge. Teams must include geothermal expertise but can include experience from other subsurface relevant sectors as well.

Topic Area 1; Topic Areas 4 and 5 (as applicable): Reservoir Stimulation Projects that include stimulation activities that are funded under this NOFO will be expected to identify and deploy innovative and, in some cases,…